Don't Go Gentle @ Lucille Lortel Theatre

The title for the play Don't Go Gentle is taken from D. Thomas' poem:  Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night. The play focuses on the catharsis when facing one's imminent demise. Lawrence, a retired judge, is seeking redemption in his life.  He is played brilliantly by veteran B'wy actor and Tony Award winning playwright, Michael Cristofer.  Lawrence a widower, is at odds with his own adult children; drug addcited, Ben & self-proclaimed "functioning alcoholic  daughter, Amelia.  Amelia convinces her father, who is "recovering" from stomach cancer, to pursue legal pro bono work as a means to occupy his time productively.  He meets Tanya, a young, black mother, he is convinced was unjustly sentence for pot possession. Lawrence believes she is owed financial compensation.  The initial conference between Lawrence & Tanya is bombastic but a bond of mutual respect is quickly formed. Lawrence soon opens his home to both Tanya and her 16 year old son, Rasheed.  The 3 form a peaceful & symbiotic relationship until Lawrence's wayward son returns.  The contentious relationship between father & son is soon apparent.  Total family upheaval is fueld when Lawrence tells his son & daughter that he intends to leave his home to Tanya & her son.  Thomas' poem also suggests a dysfunctional relationship between father & son which is also the thrust of this powerful drama.  "Rage, rage against the dying of the light." (Thomas)  I recommend this intelligent play.  It is a play to be debated long into the night.